JOB DESCRIPTION

The Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit group is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) to work for Dr. Elena Valassi. 
The position will focus on translational research in metabolism and neuroendocrinology, investigating the molecular mechanisms of myopathy in acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome, and disease progression in Cushing’s disease, with a major focus on personalized medicine.
The successful candidate will participate in multidisciplinary research combining experimental molecular biology, functional studies and computational approaches. The research will involve both laboratory-based experimental work (wet lab) and the integration and analysis of multi-omics and clinical datasets (dry-lab), with the ultimate goal of identifying novel biomarkers and advancing precision medicine in neuroendocrinology.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected candidate will contribute to the development and coordination of translational research projects in neuroendocrinology and metabolism, with responsibilities including:
Experimental research and wet-lab activities:
• Design and perform experimental studies using human tumour samples and cellular models to investigate the molecular mechanisms disease progression and treatment response.• Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, gene expression analysis, PCR-based assays and epigenetic characterisation.• Develop and conduct in vitro functional experiments, including cell culture, hormonal stimulation and molecular analysis of cellular responses.• Coordinate sample processing, experimental workflows and molecular characterisation of biological specimens.• Contribute to the development and optimisation of new experimental approaches and molecular assays.
Multi-omics and computational research:
• Analyse and integrate multi-omics datasets, including transcriptomics, DNA methylation, genomic and spatial transcriptomics data.• Identify molecular signatures and candidate biomarkers associated with tumour behaviour, disease progression and therapeutic response.• Apply bioinformatics, statistical and machine learning approaches to develop predictive models and support precision medicine strategies.• Integrate molecular findings with clinical and phenotypic information from well-characterised patient cohorts.
Scientific coordination and dissemination
• Coordinate and contribute to national and international research projects and collaborative networks.• Participate in the preparation of research proposals, grant applications and scientific reports.• Prepare manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.• Supervise and mentor students and junior researchers involved in the research projects.• Establish collaborations with clinical departments, research groups and national and international institutions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

a) Required level of education: 

• PhD in Medicine

b) Languages:

• Good command of English, Catalan and Spanish (written and spoken).

c) Specific knowledge:

• Strong background in molecular biology and translational biomedical research.
• Knowledge of experimental techniques in molecular and cellular biology.
• Experience with molecular characterisation of human tissue samples.
• Knowledge of gene expression analysis, epigenetics and molecular mechanisms of disease.
• Familiarity with omics technologies, including transcriptomics, genomics and/or DNA methylation analysis.
• Advanced bioinformatics and statistical analysis skills.

d) Personal skills:

• Scientific independence, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to design, coordinate and execute experimental research projects.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple research activities.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills and ability to disseminate research findings.
• Proactive attitude and motivation to develop new research lines.

e) Required experience:

• At least 5 years of previous postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in endocrinology.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental molecular biology and laboratory-based research.
• Experience in programming and managing clinical databases (RedCap).
• Proven scientific productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Proven experience in conducting clinical trials in personalized medicine in the field of endocrinology

f) Valuable:

• Involvement in the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN).
• Experience with primary human tissue samples, biobanks and clinical cohorts.
• Experience in cell culture and functional in vitro studies, including hormonal stimulation and molecular characterisation of cellular responses.
• Experience in epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation profiling.
• Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS), RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.
• Bioinformatics skills in R and/or Python, including multi-omics integration and machine learning approaches.
• Experience in clinical research coordination, multicentre studies and translational research projects.
• Experience in grant applications, project management and scientific dissemination.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Type of contract and working hours: Permanent contract, (under the Spanish Science Law / Ley de la Ciencia). Full-time (1,628 hours per year)
• Estimated date of incorporation: 1/12/2026
• Gross annual remuneration: 36.000€
• Flexible payment (childminding vouchers).
• 23 days holiday and 5 days for personal matters.
• Training capsules by the company.
• Be part of an excellent multidisciplinary research centre with the HRS4R badge.
• Location on the Can Ruti Campus, a first-class translational research environment in the Barcelona area, in a very stimulating scientific environment. The IGTP offers a supportive, friendly and collaborative ecosystem to promote professional development and help you achieve your research goals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://hospitalgermanstrias.cat/en/service-endocrinology-nutrition

RESOLUCION

HOW TO APPLY

Interested persons must attach to the application:

• Motivation letter explaining their interest in the position.
• Updated CV.
• Contact of 2-3 references.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the guiding principles and objectives of the supply systems, following the process described below:

Curricular evaluation: analysis of the curriculum vitae to assess aspects related to training, professional career and experience in positions related to the job position under selection.

Personal interview: once the résumé has been evaluated, the selected candidates will be called for a personal interview to verify and expand on the information detailed in the résumé and to evaluate aspects related to experience and professional skills.

Applications that do not meet the requirements, that are not included in the cases foreseen or that are not processed in accordance with the established procedure will not be considered in the selection process.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The call for applications will close on November 23, 2026.